What do interpreters do?

Through the use of sign language, interpreters facilitate communication between people who use sign language to communicate
and those who do not. Interpreters make it possible for users of ASL to access education, social services and employment.

Interpreters are employed anywhere people need to communicate. Interpreters work in a variety of settings and situations, as
well as communication modes. Interpreters must be competent in a vast array of skills and knowledge to be able to work
competitively in a bicultural/bilingual world.

Because of this variety, the work is intense and challenging. Interpreters need excellent
interpersonal skills. They must enjoy working closely with people. And they must
be mentally and physically ready to go from one job to another.

What is this field like?

The fastest growing area for interpreter employment is education. In addition, interpreters work in the community, mental
health offices, hospitals and doctors' offices. The field is also growing and expanding as new research is done and
new developments enter the field. Interpreters must stay abreast of innovations in the field.

The entry-level pay range starts anywhere from $15.00 an hour in educational settings
to $17 - $30 an hour for private practice, depending on experience. Potential employment
opportunities are made by contacting interpreter agencies, school districts, and state agencies.

Program Purpose, Values, and Degrees Offered.

The Interpreter Training Program (ITP) is an accessible program providing high quality learning
opportunities in sign language and the field of interpreting.

We serve a diverse multi-cultural community and foster respect for other cultures.

We actively contribute to the local communities.

We offer a professional/technical certificate as a sign language interpreter.

Students are prepared for immediate employment (thereby allowing graduates the opportunity
to contribute to the economic well-being of the community).

Students can transfer to a four year degree program.

We offer course work for continuing education, professional development, and personal interest.

Degrees Offered

Associate of Applied Sciences-Transfer

Certificate - (Contingent upon having a prior 2 or 4 year degree)

Program courses are offered via on campus, distance learning, and online. For a complete course list
please call (509) 533-3618 or (509) 533-3730. At SFCC, the Interpreter Training Program
(ITP) is unique in our ability to meet your educational needs. We will provide you with the basic
coursework and training to launch a new career in the sign language interpreting field.

What classes will I take?

Students in both the A.A.S.-T degree and certificate programs take courses in American
Sign Language, deaf culture, Manually Coded English (MCE), Discourse Analysis, Ethics, transliterating and interpreting, and more.

Students enrolled in the A.A.S.-T degree program will also take classes in Psychology, Math, and English.

Location, Facilities, Socializing Opportunities

SFCC is one of two community colleges located within Spokane’s city limits; public
transportation is available to and from campus.

The metropolitan area of Spokane and surrounding communities offer a variety of monthly
activities within the Deaf communities. These activities are social, informative, and
often provide potential practicum sites.

The Interpreter Training Program is located on campus utilizing classrooms and a language
lab containing state of the art equipment to be used by faculty and students.

Imagine yourself interpreting!

Faculty

Our faculty is multi-faceted with experience in hearing and Deaf cultures and has interpreting expertise
in many venues locally, regionally, and nationally.

Each faculty member has a long-term commitment to ITP students, graduates, and the
interpreting profession.

American Sign Language (Foreign Language Option)

What can you do with ASL?

Fulfill your foreign language requirement by learning a second language that is visual and gestural.

Communicate with family, friends, classmates, and community members.

Use ASL as a tactile study aid for other classes.

Improve your memory.

Courses Offered

Program courses are offered on-campus, distance learning, and online. At SFCC, the Interpreter Training
Program (ITP) is unique in our ability to meet your educational needs by providing you with a full year's
basic ASL coursework and skill exposure to communicate successfully with people who use sign language as a mode
of communication. You can begin your foreign language requirement as soon as next quarter. Each course
offered is transferable to other Washington state colleges and universities.